EPL: Man City thrash Sunderland 3-0 to close Arsenal gap

Manchester City took full advantage of Arsenal’s defeat to Aston Villa to close the gap at the top of the Premier League with a commanding 3–0 win over Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium.

The result blows the Premier League title race wide open, with City now just two points behind league leaders Arsenal.

Pep Guardiola’s side, aware of Arsenal’s defeat at Villa Park, ensured there would be no slip-up of their own.

Ruben Dias broke the deadlock with a thunderous 30-yard strike that took a deflection off Dan Ballard before swerving into the top corner.

Four minutes later, City doubled their lead when Josko Gvardiol rose highest to power home an unstoppable header from Phil Foden’s inswinging corner, giving the hosts a comfortable 2–0 lead at half-time.

Man City pushed for more goals after the break. Jeremy Doku struck the post with a low curling effort, while Phil Foden’s close-range follow-up was superbly blocked. Erling Haaland also saw a hooked effort cleared off the line by Lutsharel Geertruida.

City found their third when Rayan Cherki delivered a sublime assist for Foden, who headed in to seal the win.

Sunderland offered little in the first half, with Enzo Le Fée firing into the side-netting, but improved after the interval.

Anthony Nlebem

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.